Page 109 of Run Away Home: Tempered

He says my name with that accent, and I almost melt into my chair. But I can’t let him know that.

“YES!” Jess says as she claps her hands.

***

IT’S ONE O’CLOCK INthe morning now, and this party sucks. I didn’t go to college, so why am I at a frat party?

I’m on the patio in the backyard. Lord only knows where Jess is. I check my phone, again. He still didn’t text me. I’m starting to feel stupid. Maybe he just collects phone numbers. Maybe that’s his kink. Maybe he has no real interest in me. I should have demanded he write his number down too. After all, it would only be fair. Damn, I should have done that. I could go back to that bar... No, I’ll look desperate. I’ll—

My phone vibrates. I can’t unlock it fast enough. Since when did I become this girl? Ew. This must be rock bottom. I’ve seen girls like me before. I hate them. I look at my phone screen. It’s a number, not a contact. Yes!

Hey, Kara.??

It was a pleasure.

Text me anytime.

– Peter

Where the fuck is Jess? I need to know exactly how long I should wait before I respond. Wait. Since when is she any good at this? I’m just as good, AND I am a grown woman, so I can answer anytime I want to.

Hi.

Yes, it was nice meeting you. I thought you weren’t going to text me.

Smiley face or no smiley face?

No smiley face. I click send.

My phone vibrates.Wow, he’s fast.

Why would you think that?

Because it’s 1am.

Well, I just closed the bar.

Oh...

Can I make it up to you?

Make what up to me?

The apple martini.

I smile. I’m here smiling at my phone. Disgusting... I look around to see if anyone is nearby.

Sure. When?

When are you available?

Right now.

Oh my God... Why did I just write that?

LOL ??

You laugh a lot. Don’t you?

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